Things Every Woman Over 40 Should Keep In Her Carry-On

After years of traveling for everything from family vacations, work trips and and long-haul adventures, I’ve learned one universal truth: what’s in your carry-on can make or break your travel day. While I love putting together stylish vacation outfits, the items I reach for once I’m actually on the plane are the ones that determine whether I arrive feeling refreshed… or counting down the minutes until I can get to my hotel.

I have traveled extensively in my 40-something years on this earth. In my early 20s, I had a job that had me traveling 25+ weeks a year. I lived out of a backpack when traveling through Europe one summer with a dear friend. And my last job in corporate America had me on planes and trains regularly to places like Toronto, Miami, Boston and NYC. All that to say, traveling is something I’ve done quite a bit of and have my tried and true essentials that I bring in both my carry-on and my “under the seat” tote.

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As I’ve gotten older, comfort has become just as important as style (obviously). Gone are the days of throwing a phone charger into my tote and hoping for the best (ahem, looking at my simple 20-something self). These days, I like to be prepared without feeling like I’m carrying my entire house through the airport.

Whether you’re heading to Europe, spending a weekend at the lake, escaping somewhere warm, or visiting family, these are the carry-on essentials I never travel without.

A Lightweight Tote or Travel Backpack

Your “under the seat” bag as I call it, should work just as hard as your carry-on suitcase. Look for something lightweight with multiple compartments, a sleeve for anything important like a laptop or kindle, and enough room for everything you’ll need during the flight. I splurge when it comes to bags. I want something that suits my needs, holds up well and also looks stylish and professional. My go-to is Tumi (listed below) but I know Cuyana is a brand that many of my friends like and trust. But you honestly cannot go wrong with any listed below.

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A Portable Charger

Nothing creates unnecessary stress faster than watching your phone battery disappear before you’ve even boarded. A slim portable charger keeps your phone, Kindle, and earbuds powered throughout delays, layovers, and long travel days. I use mine (when my son isn’t stealing it) on the daily. Tip: Get a very thin one if you plan to throw it in your purse during your trip.

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Noise-Canceling Headphones

One of my favorite travel upgrades. Whether you’re watching a movie, listening to a podcast, or simply trying to tune out cabin noise, a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones makes flying significantly more enjoyable. There are two things I really splurge on… my bag and my headphones. Quality matters in both. I personally prefer the Apple headphones (shown below) but I’m also all-in on Apple products with my Mac Air, Air Pods, and iPhone. I’ve also had Beats and Bose and they are equally great in their own right. I just prefer the size of the headphones that fit comfortably over my ears with the Apple AirPods Max Noise Cancelling headphones.

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Compression Socks

Not glamorous. Absolutely worth packing. Compression socks help improve circulation during long flights and can help reduce swelling, especially on overseas trips. They actually have some cute ones now.

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A Soft Wrap or Lightweight Blanket Scarf

Airplanes seem to have only two temperatures: freezing or warmer than expected. A soft wrap doubles as a blanket, pillow, or extra layer once you arrive. I happened to find my favorite in a small shop in Nantucket about 10 years ago and I reach for it time and time again.

RELATED: Travel Accessories That Bring Comfort

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Refillable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated becomes even more important during air travel. Bring an empty insulated water bottle through security and fill it before boarding. I prefer a Stanley or Owala when I travel. But if you’re headed outside of the US, you may want to rethink taking a larger water bottle. It screams American tourist. There are plenty of great collapsible water bottle options as well. My tip? Look for a bottle that’s slim. The last thing you want to do is have to haul around a clunky bottle. Both options below are nice slim designs that fit well in any carry-on tote or backpack.

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Lip Balm/Lip Masks

Cabin air is incredibly drying. I have naturally dry skin to begin with and I need ALL the things to keep my skin and lips moisturized. A nourishing lip balm is one of those little things that makes a surprisingly big difference. I like to take two or three with me to keep on my bedside table in the hotel, one in my purse, and one in my toiletry kit.

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Hand Cream

As mentioned above, dry airplane air isn’t kind to skin. A travel-sized hand cream keeps hands feeling comfortable throughout the flight. My go-to is Kiehl’s as it’s super rich and nourishing. A second favorite is the classic L’Occitane.

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Facial Mist

A quick spritz halfway through a flight instantly feels refreshing, especially on longer trips. I also like to have this in my purse during a trip to hot locations. This was a life saver for me when we were boiling hot waiting in lines at Disney.

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A Small Makeup Bag

Mine usually contains: concealer, a dual lip/blush stick, mini mascara, blotting papers, hair ties, dry shampoo, and a cream eyeshadow stick. I try to keep my makeup simple when I’m on vacation. Work trips? I usually need to throw in a few more things like eyebrow gel and bronzer. But the simple makeup standards are usually just enough for a quick refresh before landing. This is an item you don’t need to spend a ton on. I personally get mine off of Amazon and will often switch them out.

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Blue-Light or Reading Glasses

Whether you’re reading a book, answering emails, or watching movies, having your readers within easy reach saves digging through your luggage. I also find that wearing blue light glasses a couple of hours before bedtime helps me wind down quicker, especially when I’m dealing jet lag. Another good tip? Ray Ban Meta glasses are a Godsend when traveling in a foreign country. They can translate menus, tell you what you’re looking at if you’re in a museum or new location and so much more. You will NOT regret purchasing them. They also take photos and video which means you don’t have to pull out your phone every 5 minutes.

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Healthy Snacks

Airport food isn’t always convenient (or affordable). I usually pack protein bars, trail mix, almonds, dried fruit, or crackers for unexpected delays. I also like to pack a hydration amplifier like Liquid IV. I discovered Made Good granola bites when shopping for healthy snacks for my son and I always like to have one or packs along with a protein bar in my bag. You never know when you need a little pick-me-up.

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A Kindle or e-Reader

There’s something wonderfully relaxing about unplugging for a few hours with a great read. A Kindle is perfect for longer vacations. I am a ride or die book gal, I need that book in hand. But when I know I”m limited on space, may go through multiple books on a trip (I read a lot), the Kindle is the way to go. But if you’re going to get the Kindle, I suggest you get a case for it to keep it protected. I’ve unfortunately broken one that didn’t have a case.

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Travel Wallet or Travel Crossbody Bag

Keeping your passport, boarding pass, ID, credit cards, and travel documents in one place makes moving through the airport much easier. If you want to be extra safe, get one with RFID protection to keep your cards and phone safe. As a woman who has traveled alone quite a bit, having RFID wallets and bags have helpeed me feel just a bit more secure and safe.

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Packing Cubes

The BEST for carry-on suitcases and your under the chair bag. They are wonderful for clothing, sure. But they also help keep chargers, electronics, snacks, and toiletries organized so you’re not digging around at 35,000 feet.

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Wrinkle-Release Spray & Stain Remove Pens

Perfect for freshening up linen shirts, dresses, and lightweight travel outfits after unpacking. And the stain removing pens? Because, well, life happens.

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Mini Jewelry Case

Nothing tangles faster than necklaces tossed into a cosmetic bag. I used to put jewelry in Ziploc bags until I left three of them in a hotel because they were so unnoticeable. A small jewelry organizer keeps everything protected, organized and something you’ll remember to pack up when it’s time to go!

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Sleep Mask & Satin Pillow Case

Especially helpful for overnight flights or early morning departures, a simple inexpensive sleep mask is a game changer. I also like to travel with my own pillowcase. I like the idea of knowing it’s germ-free, but a silk pillowcase is great for your skin and hair. It packs down to like the size of a flea, so why not.

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Everyday Medications

I never pack medications in my checked luggage. And I always keep prescription medications, pain relievers, allergy medicine, and anything I’ll need during my trip in your carry-on. Linking some of my go-to’s below. I don’t normally take ZzzQuil, but when I’m traveling, I often find I have a harder time going to sleep and it helps tremendously.

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The best carry-on isn’t necessarily the one packed with the most things. It’s the one filled with the items you’ll actually use.

For me, that means choosing practical travel essentials that make flying more comfortable while still leaving room for the excitement of the trip ahead. A thoughtfully packed carry-on helps you arrive feeling organized, comfortable, and ready to enjoy your vacation from the moment you land. If you’re interested in my favorite travel dresses that pack well and don’t wrinkle easy, head on over to this post.

I’ve linked all of my favorite travel essentials, from stylish travel bags and comfortable compression socks to portable chargers, travel beauty favorites, and organization must-haves, so you can build a carry-on that works beautifully for your next adventure.

Other Posts You Might Like:

Road Trip Planning & Essentials Guide

What to Wear To Disney World: A Guide to Stylish Outfits

What I Packed, Used, and Loved on a Recent Trip

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